Spring birds are chirping on the branches, and the morning fog in the mountains has not completely dissipated, leaving hazy moisture on the glass windows.
After turning around on the bed, my consciousness became slightly clearer, and then I opened my eyes.
It must be getting late, and the sounds of vendors can even be heard faintly in the distance. The residents of this small town always get up so early.
It's time to get up. If you don't get up, I'm afraid someone will snitch on you again and embarrass yourself. This thought just passed through my mind, and then I thought of the current situation.
No, there is no need to worry anymore, no one will scold me now.
Slowly sat up, lifted off the quilt and got out of bed, looking at the face in the mirror.
The black hair is slightly spiral and scattered between the shoulders and collarbones. The dark blue eyebrows are a bit delicate, and the curves of the cheeks are soft and smooth.
Looking at this face that is somewhat similar to those portraits, a slightly disgusting feeling swims through my heart, like a thin thread, although it is weak, it is difficult to ignore.
Yes, my name is Gweir Yuan Wenlani, and I am also the only successor of the Wenlani family today.
The surname Wenlani comes from that lucky ancestor, and Yuan refers to the noble bloodline that a certain ancestor climbed hundreds of years ago. Therefore, a word was added in the middle to get rid of the past lack of deep knowledge and sudden outbursts.
The image of the household.
My mother passed away when I was very young, and my father also disappeared for many years, so he raised me in the castle.
Life is limited to a small area. Others might feel uncomfortable, but I have never experienced it this way. Maybe it’s because I haven’t seen the beauty of the outside world, so I don’t miss it.
This is what Judy said about me. She is the daughter of a nearby baron, close in age, and one of my few friends.
Life in the castle is very monotonous, and there isn't much new news, so the only way to get information is to read.
My father hired an etiquette teacher for me to teach me all kinds of knowledge, which naturally included the basics of literacy and arithmetic.
"A qualified lady should learn to take charge of her own household, receive guests, and take care of her family, so that she can live a good life." This is what the experienced old lady taught me.
Although she looks very kind, her teachings are harsh in many details, and I often get slapped in the palm of my hand.
"I'm doing this for the eldest lady's benefit. Your father paid me to come here to do this." While beating her, she also told me not to bear grudges against her, because this is how the eldest ladies from all families come.
"You have to be beautiful and decent, and make men feel your charm while remaining reserved. This is an elegant art."
"A girl's most beautiful time is actually these few years. If you can't find a suitable marriage partner during this period, you will become the laughing stock of others."
"Be careful of girls your own age, they are all your competitors."
"Remember, elegance and reserve are only appearances. You cannot always rely on this to win. There are some things that you must always hold firmly."
"Men always like young and beautiful girls, but we all know that no matter how beautiful a girl is, she will grow old one day."
"Don't believe any promises, everything will pass and be forgotten."
"Wealth, power, status, fame, these are all things that can protect you. If you cannot obtain these, then your beauty is just a flower on the water, drifting with the current, and scattered by the wind."
"Climb as much as you can. I believe you are a smart girl with excellent talents."
Once upon a time, I was so disgusted with hearing these words because it shattered the fantasy I had as a child.
But unfortunately, after many years, I did slowly integrate these into my life and consciousness.
My father is ugly.
I probably realized this one night after a banquet.
I walked through the corridor of the castle and heard a rippling sound coming from the room on one side, like a wild beast's howling, which was unspeakable.
Is this nobility? I began to doubt whether nobility is really noble.
After a year or two, as I grew older, my father would occasionally come over to see my daily life in his spare time.
"Gweir." One day, he walked into the study and called out my name.
"What's the matter, father?" Didn't you go out to play with any noble lady today? This thought came to mind.
"You are already 12 years old."
"Yes."
"Well, it seems I have to tell you about the history of our family." The father seemed to finally remember his duty, took my hand, and walked to the hidden basement of the castle.
The stairs have an ancient feel, with rounded edges and incomplete edges, and occasionally you can hear the sound of dripping water. The servants hold torches to illuminate the surrounding scenery.
The steps went down step by step, and as the iron fences were pulled up one after another, the sound of the noose stopped. My father also took out the worn key from his arms and opened the tight stone door.
This place seems to have been transformed by alchemists in the past and has complex mechanisms.
The gears rotated and made a clicking sound, and the stone door slowly lifted up, revealing the dark space behind it.
Didn't it turn out to be pushed or pulled left and right? It's really a clever design.
After a brief sigh, my father asked his attendants to guard the door. He held a torch and walked in with me.
There was a soft bang, the brazier on the wall was lit, and the thick candles were also lit, and the environment inside was finally revealed.
This is a small hall with a bud-shaped throne in the center. Its corners and handrails are lavender, reflecting slightly under the firelight.
The walls on both sides are covered with murals, all of which are portraits of people. Surprisingly, these portraits are vaguely similar.
"Yes, these are our ancestors. By the way, this is your grandfather, maybe you still remember his appearance." My father pointed to a newer portrait and said.
"I don't remember." My childhood memories have long been blurred.
"Well, that's a bit regretful. In fact, your grandfather took good care of you when you were a child." That's probably because he was disappointed in his father, because I heard people say that at that time, his father spent every day living and drinking, making his mother shed tears, and finally died of depression.
.
"That's it, thank you, grandpa." I pretended to be obedient and saluted, because this was in line with the behavior of a lady.
"Yes, I have to thank you." My father looked at me and nodded, and then introduced the other people one by one. It was obvious that his memory was actually a bit vague, and some names were even pronounced twice.
"Our Wenlani family originally came from the central part of the empire, which is the imperial capital of Titiania. We have a long history and a glorious bloodline." However, it is not glorious. I have read many records in the study. Those ancestors are comparable.
My father is much more honest.
"You have to remember the names of the two most critical generations of ancestors. This is a turning point for our family."
As he spoke, he pointed to a special portrait. Compared with other busts, that painting was a rare full-body landscape painting.
A girl wearing a light yellow and white dress was running among the flowers, holding a bouquet in one hand and holding the sunhat on her head with the other hand, looking happy.
"Syphiel Wenlani, this is the sister of our ancestors and the person who brought everything to our family."
Then he pointed to another painting, which showed a young man with short black hair. He was wearing a white dress, with a dark blue iris on his chest. His eyes were like smoky quartz, and he had an inexplicable charm.
"Disinger Yuan Wenlani, this ancestor helped the family get rid of its humble status and officially became a noble academic lineage in the empire."
"If you have a brief understanding of our family history, you will know how powerful beauty is, making others willingly surrender."
"Yes, our family does not have strong military equipment, nor has it produced any scholars, high-ranking officials, powerful extraordinary beings, etc."
"But this does not affect our glory, because we are born noble, and your appearance and posture are the best proof." There was an inexplicable color in my father's eyes, looking up and down like a snake.
.
"You will marry into a prominent family and a noble family and become the next shining jewel in the history of our Wenlani family."
"Understand, my baby, this is your destiny and responsibility."
"I understand, Father." I bowed my head and saluted.
"Yes, that's it..." In the swaying firelight, I heard my father's murmur.
From that day on, my father began to hire teachers for me. Some of them taught music, some told about the heraldry of various nobles in the empire, family history, etc.
Even if he had free time, he would ask some noble doctors to examine and train me. This is also the scene I hate the most.
Because they often have to take off their clothes and let others look at their bodies, even though the doctors are women, it is still unbearable.
It was as if I was looking at the goods, looking up and down, and then I prepared a diet and gave me various exercise programs.
Not long after, I fell ill, perhaps feeling depressed and uncomfortable.
My father asked the pastor of the Church of Angels to treat me, but it never worked. Therefore, he changed several people one after another until a doctor from afar came to see me and said:
"Perhaps it would be better if you clear a quiet forest in the backyard of the castle and let the lady nurse herself there."
"This is a common disease among nobles, because they have too little exposure to the outside world, just like crops lacking sunlight."
"That's it." My father suddenly understood, and then he did as he was told.
In this way, I also had a rare respite, and it was also during this time that I got to know Judy.
Judy was brought by her father at a certain banquet. She is about the same age as me, probably just over 13 years old, a little older than me by one year, and very lively and active.
"Gweir, have you seen any birds?" I was playing with her in the woods that day, and she suddenly stood up and said, pretending to be mysterious.
"Birds? I've seen them before." Although I don't leave home, it doesn't mean I'm inexperienced. I've also seen those little guys with gray feathers in front of the window sill.
"No, no, no, you haven't seen it." Judy shook her head, showing that I only understand.
"Then tell me." Although Judy might be showing off or lying, I still followed her words and answered politely, because this is my character.
"Hey, let me tell you, there are actually many kinds of birds. Although they are all called birds, the actual difference can be said to be bigger than a prince and a beggar." Judy really likes to use the words "prince" and "beggar".
The beggar was making a metaphor. I nodded in agreement.
"Those sparrows in the mountains are the same color as the soil, and some birds have very beautiful colors." As she said this, she took out a beautiful oriole from her sleeve.
The little oriole was like a pom-pom, very cute, and Judy held it proudly in her hand.
"It's so beautiful. Can you let me touch it?" I looked at the little bird and blinked.
"This... it's not impossible, but you ask me, hehe." Judy smiled happily. It seemed that she really wanted me to give in.
Compared to my family background, Judy's is much more ordinary. Her home is in a small town. Although her father is a baron, he does not have a castle of his own and can only live among common people.
Generally, such barons would live in big cities, leave their fiefdoms to their deputies or stewards, and just collect the money themselves every year. This way, they could not only maintain their dignity, but also save worry.
However, Judy's family's territory is not rich, and their family's expenses are not small. In order to obtain as much benefit as possible and hold on to the land, they have not moved away.
Compared with other nobles, Judy's father, the baron, had quite a low status. Because he usually lived with the residents day and night, no one was afraid of him. Sometimes, as the owner of the fief, it was difficult to issue orders.
"You must be joking, aren't you, haha." Everyone just laughed it off, and sometimes the tax was not paid, so the baron had to come to the door to urge him in person.
However, such behavior without strength can only be treated as perfunctory and ridiculed, and it is often very difficult to collect taxes.
"Dad is such a nice person. Those people would be soft-hearted and tax-free when they complained a little. Later, everyone learned the same thing and it became more and more difficult to collect taxes." Judy often complained like this. It was obvious that she loved her father very much, but sometimes
Very worried again.
Because of her father's image, Judy was also laughed at by other aristocratic ladies in the surrounding circle and was often offended.
And the only thing that can make her feel decent is maybe playing with herself.
Because the Wenlani family is a famous family nearby, although other nobles also have viscounts, their history and origins are actually very thin, and there is nothing worthy of praise.
Because she can greet the eldest lady of the Wenlani family, Judy's status among the sisters has been much higher. She occasionally tells some proud things in front of her. It can be seen that she cares about her praise.
, just a little praise will make this friend happy for several days.
Then why not satisfy her, I thought so, there is no harm in it anyway.
So as time passed, our relationship became closer. She could always bring me all kinds of news from the surrounding aristocratic circles, and I, the eldest lady sitting at home and not going out, could also know many interesting things.
.
When I just turned 15, Judy was already over 16. This lively girl began to attract the attention of other boys because it was time to talk about marriage.
At that time, there was a nice boy chasing Judy, his name was Boy, who was also the child of a nearby baron. He was the second in the family. He had a gentle and polite personality and a relatively good appearance.
"Boy is so thoughtful and prepared a gift for me on my birthday." On the sofa, Judy excitedly talked about what happened last night, when she held a coming-of-age birthday party at home.
On a summer afternoon, I entertained Judy in the tower where I live. I haven't left here since I was 15 years old.
"I also prepared a gift for you." I took out the box that had been wrapped long ago and handed it over.
"Wow, thank you Gweir, it's such a beautiful dress, thank you." Judy hugged her over excitedly. I blinked and smiled. In fact, I didn't put much thought into it. I just picked out one from the wardrobe and didn't wear it.
It's just a fitted dress.
In order to package this exquisite product of mine, my father put a lot of thought into it. There are so many kinds of dresses, and sometimes it is difficult to choose.
Judy told me a lot about Boy that day, his mellow politeness, his kindness and honesty. I once thought they would get together.
However, things developed unexpectedly. Less than half a year later, my father told me about Judy.
"I'm afraid Judy won't be able to come and play with you in the future. She is already married to the third son of a nearby baron, who seems to be named Murphy."
"Murphy? It doesn't seem to have a good reputation." I thought about this name, but it seemed that it had only been mentioned briefly in Judy's mouth a few times.
"That guy is so rude, he looks like he wants everything. He's very smart, but also very cunning. I heard he even killed someone." Judy commented at the time.
"Yes, I heard that I was originally going to get engaged to Boy, but one day news came that Judy was actually pregnant, and the partner was that Murphy. In the end, I had to arrange for the two of them to get married as soon as possible." The father said casually.
, these things are not within his scope of concern.
"Did Murphy use any means?" I felt a little sorry for Judy, she lost a good marriage.
"Maybe." The father drank the wine in his hand, put down the glass and left. He probably would spend the night at some beautiful woman's house again tonight.
Unable to get any news, I finally had to write a letter to comfort Judy and have it delivered.
The reply was received a month later. The person who sent the letter was Judy's brother, a slightly fat boy. It was obvious that he was very afraid of strangers and it took a lot of courage to come to my house.
"My sister asked me to give this to you." The boy glanced at me secretly and then quickly lowered his head.
[I'm sorry, Gweir, for taking so long to reply to you, because I've been confused and feeling like a mess during this time.
But I've gotten better recently, and I can finally reply to you.
First of all, thank you Gweir for your concern. Regarding the marriage, I let everyone down. My father almost beat me, but fortunately my mother stopped me.
I don’t know why, but when Murphy approached me that day, I hesitated and didn’t reject him. In fact, the whole process was very confusing.
Then when I saw Boy's disappointed look, I felt very regretful and sorry for him.
But, but, I still chose Murphy. The reason is so secret that even I only figured it out today.
You know, just like I told you when I was a child, there are many birds in the world, and they are all kinds of strange, including beautiful ones, ugly ones, kind ones, vicious ones, etc.
Therefore, not every bird is liked by people, but since it exists, it must have its own way of survival.
When I was very young, I watched my father nod and bow down to others, and even though he was a noble, he humbled himself in front of the common people.
Although my father is so kind, he is not respected by others, and I am also laughed at.
I hate my father, yes, I hate that kind of weak kindness.
However, I cannot surpass my father because I am too weak and dare not be like those eldest ladies and treat the servants and common people arrogantly.
Why, even though our family is the owner of the territory, we don't get the corresponding respect and admiration.
I hate always greeting people with a smile. I hate being plotted by others without any scheming. I am afraid of my own cowardice and cowardice.
There is no other way, I want to have a reliable support, even if the other party is thorny.
Of course I know that Murphy is not a good person, and is even a bit bad.
But this is exactly what I lack, and even what our family lacks, being too weak and easy to bully.
If the father had such a son-in-law, outsiders would also think twice about it.
So, I chose Murphy and indulged him in everything.
Tough mountain people will cultivate gentle monarchs, while gentle farmers will believe in tyrannical emperors. As long as the latter can lead them not to be bullied by outsiders, they can tolerate the evil deeds of the tyrant.
This is reality and it makes people helpless.
Finally, I'm sorry that I may not be able to visit again for a long time.
I hope Gweir won’t be like me, having no choice but to find the perfect partner in her mind.]
The back of the letter says, 'Please burn it after reading it. I hope this is a secret that only belongs to us.'
After burning the letter, I sat under the window sill for a long time, thinking about many things, until it got dark.
Time passed, I was already 16 years old, I had a good looks that surprised others, and it was time to talk about marriage.
My father began to look for a suitable marriage partner for me, and his first target was naturally the extremely noble Pascal family, the Red Dragon Duke.
But it is a pity that several of the sons of the Dragon of Desire are already engaged. The youngest of them is more than five years older than me, so naturally they will not wait forever. And there are only a few daughters left, but because they are of the same sex, naturally
Can't even consider it.
Disappointed, my father began to take aim at several famous earl families, and I also met several young masters from aristocratic families in the castle.
These processes are very secretive, and my father seems not to want to attract the attention of outsiders, because there are many people competing.
Originally, the process went very smoothly, and he had already discussed the marriage with a certain earl, because the young master was fascinated by me at first sight.
But something unexpected happened after all. The conflict between the Baskar family and the royal family involved many southern nobles, and the earl of that family also disappeared in the suppression.
It's like a carefully prepared product, but it lost its due market and buyers and fell into the hands of others.
After being hit one after another, my father was very disappointed. At this time, the southern border was in chaos, and there were no big families suitable for marriage.
For more than a year, he drank to relieve his sorrows and began to find various lovers, while I continued to live in the tower.
One night, my father was drunk again. He walked through the corridor of the castle and came to my room, muttering. At this time, I had just finished taking a shower and was sitting in front of the mirror.
"Lorissa..." He looked at me and shouted this unfamiliar name.
Lorissa is my mother and the eldest lady of a big family. She is very beautiful. She was bewitched by her father when she was young, so she married him. But unfortunately, this marriage was not blessed by my grandfather’s family. Wen Lani
The family also gained little benefit.
Looking at my father's confused eyes, I gradually realized that his lustful nature had relapsed.
Wouldn't he even let his daughter go? Even though he was thinking so, he was not surprised at all. This is the kind of person he is.
I poured tea on my father's face to wake him up, but for the first time he slapped me in the face in anger, feeling that my authority was being resisted.
He regretted it very much afterwards, because if I was hit in the face, I would no longer be suitable for sale.
After a few days of silence, he began to find strict etiquette teachers to tame me, hoping that I would completely obey his orders while he and his mistress had fun in the castle.
In fact, I am happy to see such a scene, because he will not come to me.
Things took a surprising turn, and a rebellion finally broke out in our fiefdom.
In the chaos, I was taken to his bedroom by the servants, which was the deepest part of the castle and the safest place.
The smell of perfume still lingers in the air, which is a seductive scent. I don't know how many of these fun things my father bought in the alchemy workshop.
I listened to the constant sounds of fighting and roaring flames coming from the outside world, but my heart was very quiet, because I actually didn't hold much hope for the future. If I died here, it seemed like it wouldn't be a bad thing.
The door finally opened.
A rough and strong man smashed it open with a giant ax and rushed in.
He laughed loudly at his father, grabbed him like a chicken, and chopped it off with an axe.
The blood splashed onto my cheeks and dress, which was very warm, and the fire waves and noise from the outside world also rushed in.
At that moment I lost all my relatives, but I was also free.
In the chaos of the night fire, I was led out of the castle by a few servants and hid in a corner of the city. I could only peek at the outside world from the corner of the window.
Shortly after nightfall, a group of red-clad cavalry rushed into the city, and the seemingly powerful warrior seemed to be gradually weakening.
‘For freedom.’ He seemed to shout so loudly that it was hard for me to understand.
Is freedom so precious? I don't feel the same way.
There are all kinds of birds in the world, some are beautiful, some are ugly, some are kind, and some are vicious, but not every bird yearns for freedom.
Freedom means uncertainty, means risk, means change, means insecurity and danger.
I grew up like a bird in a cage. For me, freedom is a kind of poison.
After losing my father, I felt that the sky suddenly opened up and everything became brighter, because I was no longer under his control, but at the same time a great emptiness also overwhelmed me, because I have been taught since I was a child that as long as I marry a good husband
, in order to cling to power, status, wealth, and even everything.
I hate such a future, but I have to choose such a future, and now even this future is gone.
So contradictory.
Until that figure came into view.
He has a powerful force like an ancient hero. He can fight one against a hundred, and his sword swing strikes his heart like a hammer, so powerful and powerful.
He has a chivalrous spirit just like in ancient knight novels. While not killing anyone, he also achieves a perfect ending and calms down the original bloody killing.
The figure in the flames is like a soldering iron that is deeply imprinted in my mind and cannot be forgotten.
This was the first time I felt admiration, like a moth flying into a flame.
Yes, I am a canary who grew up in a cage, and now I have finally found my own birdcage. His strength makes me feel at ease, and his character makes me willing to let go of my reserve.